Ann Simpson Davis Middle School PTO

DMS PTO Meeting

February 24, 2021

Virtual Zoom Meeting 7 pm

Attendees: 

(Sign in sheet not available as meeting was virtual.  Secretary recorded names that appeared on Zoom call)

Tiffany Marr, Jennifer Talley, Helena Richards, Ginger Kockentiet, Disa Banker, Cheryl O’Rourke, Ryan Buckley, Ann Perez, Andrea Chambers-Chrisp, Natalie Rich, Muturo, Jason Snyder, Asch Mikhail, Elaine Spielbert, Tisha Rinker, Melinda Norfleet (16 total)

President’s Report – Tiffany Marr

Agenda, Icebreaker, Chat Box Q & A, Updates

Meeting called to order at 7 pm.  Tiffany welcomed everyone to the meeting.  She reviewed tonight’s agenda with the attendees.  

Tiffany encouraged participation from parents for the 2021-22 school year.  We are looking for help in multiple areas.  PTO will be posting specific needed positions in our March newsletter.

PTO is sponsoring a tshirt design contest in conjunction with our upcoming spring spirit wear sale.  We will be turning the 2 winning designs into shirts for purchase.

PTO will be evaluating applicants for our Irish Way Scholarships this spring.  We can award up to 3 $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Scioto High School.

Principal’s Report – Dr. Ann Perez

Dr. Perez provided an update on learning modes. Remote learning Wednesday – Friday this week to allow teachers opportunity to receive a second vaccine and downtime to recover from side effects.  The District’s goal is to return to All in on March 15.  (RLA no change.)  The pinch point is the cafeteria, but they are working through options to accommodate all students over 6 lunch periods.  

Transition planning has started for the incoming 6th graders.  

Sells and Davis will be hosting a joint PTO meeting in March.

Treasurer’s Report –  Ginger Kockentiet and Asch Mikhail

Current balances for PTO Checking and Savings were shared with the group. We currently have $6,556.62 in checking and $26,432.38 in savings.  We target to maintain one years expenses in reserve in preparation for years when we might not raise as much money. 

Recent expenses include $1,000 for Academic Signs which will be sold as orders arrive.  We also supported Career week with gift cards and provided dinner for teachers on conference night.  Upcoming expenses will include Irish Way Scholarships, Staff Appreciation in May and 8th Grade Irish Way Celebration.  

Asch presented 2 donation requests for PTO general membership approval.  $750 to Eversole Run Middle School PTO and $250 to Hopewell Elementary PTO.  These funds help establish PTO as our newest schools.  A vote of general membership is required for non budgeted items over $250.  Jennifer Talley made a motion to approve both items.  Dr. Perez seconded the motion.  Approved.

Secretary’s Report – Jennifer Talley

Jennifer presented the previous month’s meeting minutes for review and approval.  The minutes were also posted to our blog for review prior to this meeting.  No comments were made.  Minutes approved – 1st Dr. Perez, 2nd Asch Mikhail.

If you need to contact the PTO, remember you can email us at ptodavis@gmail.com

Presentations from Davis Extracurricular Clubs and Groups

We heard about 5 of the clubs available at Davis including Art Club, Power of the Pen, Interact Club, Math Counts and Taiko.  Thanks to our teacher/advisors for attending or providing info on your club to our parents.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm

Parents,

Join us on Wednesday for the PTO‘s fifth public meeting of the school year. We have special presentations from some of the Extracurricular Groups and Clubs at Davis. We will start promptly at 7:00 PM and maintain our “short and sweet” motto. Zoom instructions will be coming from Davis.

Excited to see you soon!
– Davis PTO

Zoom links will be posted on percdublin.org

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Monday, February 22 9-10 am

Join us on Monday, February, 22 for a discussion covering the book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin Diangelo.  Deemed a “vital and necessary book” for our time, anti-racist educator, Robin DiAngelo gives more language to help us better understand and move forward specifically in regard to what emotions, behaviors and “defensive moves” white people often have & make when challenged racially.  

Through this exploration and discussion, we hope to become more aware, examine ourselves more fully and be able to engage more constructively with the collective racial inequity discussion at large in order to move toward societal change.

Having read the book will help to greatly facilitate discussion, but is not a necessity for attendance.

This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

NEW DATE!!!!   MONDAY, MARCH 1st        NEW DATE!!!!     9-10 am

What a great opportunity to begin or continue the discussion with our children of doing the work of antiracism.  Tiffany Jewell has written her book This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on how to Wake Up, Take Action and Do the Work with the younger reader in mind.

Whether you read it ahead of time with your child or alone (maybe in preparation to reread with your child or present some of the key concepts to them), please join us for the enlightening conversation!

If you’re wondering whether or not the book is developmentally-appropriate for your child, we recommend goodreads.com and commonsensemedia.org for reviews of the book to aid in your decision.

DMS PTO Meeting

January 27, 2021

Virtual Zoom Meeting 7 pm

Attendees: 

(Sign in sheet not available as meeting was virtual.  Secretary recorded names that appeared on Zoom call)

Tiffany Marr, Kristy Venne, Edmar Martin, Jason Snyder, Amy Starnes, Asch Mikhail, Natalie Rich, Venus Klochak, Tiffany deSilva, Elaine Spielberg, Andrea Chambers-Chrisp, Foster Family, Mrs. Rinker, Osamu Nabeya, Ann McCarty Perez, Anna, Melanie Gamez, Maria Dishop, Tisha Rinker, Jennifer Talley (20 total)

President’s Report – Tiffany Marr

Agenda, Icebreaker, Updates, Chat Box Q & A, Spring Spirit Wear, Academic Boosters, Parent Academic Council

Meeting called to order at 7 pm.  Tiffany welcomed everyone to the meeting.  She reviewed tonight’s agenda with the attendees.  

Tiffany encouraged participation from parents for the 2021-22 school year.  We are looking for help in multiple areas.  Also, with change in Fundraising, we are reimaging how and what we fund for next school year and moving forward. 

Academic Boosters are available to those students who meet requirements for Merit and Honor Roll.  Tiff Thum is the parent in charge of this program.  A letter will be mailed home to those students who qualify with instructions on how to purchase.  Signs are at school and will be picked up once paid for.

Spring Spirit Wear – Melanie Gamez gave an update.  We made approximately $200 on our November sale.  She is looking at having another sale this spring with new items.  Possibly have a new logo designed by a Davis student.  She recommended we shorten sale to two weeks and either increase pricing to include shipping or have items delivered to the school so that our profit margin improves.

Parent Academic Council – Tiffany deSilva provided on update.  The Parent Academic Council is composed of parent representatives from each school and works in conjunction with Jill Rinehart.  They currently meet quarterly. Recently the topic was online learning and discussing what is working.  Also, if you are interested in being on the interview team for the new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for DCS, please reach out to Tiffany deSliva.

Principal’s Report – Dr. Ann Perez

Dr. Perez thanked the PTO for providing the dinner for conference night.  It was much appreciated.  

All 8th graders took the PSAT yesterday (Tuesday January 26) at Davis.  They also attended a High School counseling session and began the process of completing their high school schedule.   Schedule requests are due February 4.  Counselors are available via Google meet this week for questions.

Franklin County Educators will begin receiving Covid -19 vaccinations starting next week at 2 locations in Franklin County.  Teachers will sign up online and may need to leave school for a small portion of a day to get the shot.  Follow up vaccine will be in three weeks from 1st shot.  The Pfizer vaccine will be given.

Treasurer’s Report –  Ginger Kockentiet and Asch Mikhail

Current balances for PTO Checking and Savings were shared with the group. We currently have $1,707.57 in checking and $31,431.85 in savings.  We target to maintain one years expenses in reserve in preparation for years when we might not raise as much money. 

Asch commented that our spending has continued to go under review as income is down this year.  Continue to support Davis through Retailer Rewards programs offered by both Amazon and Kroger.  This is a super easy way to support our school.  Spirit Wear sale generated approximately $200.  We will continue to look for areas to financially support DMS when they don’t have the funds necessary.  

Large remaining expenses include the Davis PTO scholarships. We generally give 2 and can give up to 3 scholarships at $1000 each.   Also, PTO was able to connect a business sponsor for the upcoming Power of the Pen competition to be held at Davis on March 2021.

Secretary’s Report – Jennifer Talley

Jennifer presented the previous month’s meeting minutes for review and approval.  Tiffany shared the minutes with the group on the screen.  The minutes were also posted to our blog for review prior to this meeting.  No comments were made.  Minutes approved – 1st Dr. Perez, 2nd Jason Snyder.

If you need to contact the PTO, remember you can email us at ptodavis@gmail.com

Guest Speaker – Kristy Venne K-12 Career Education

Jennifer Talley introduced our speaker.

Kristy Venne is the K-12 Career Education Coordinator, and former Emerald Campus Director. She curates, creates, and shares career education resources and opportunities with students, staff, and families. Kristy collaborates with district staff to align k-12 career education opportunities for equity and consistency. She also works with community partners to provide career education learning opportunities for students such as guest speakers, programming, and clubs.

Kristy shared a visual presentation with us.  The goal of career education is to build a skill set so students are successful and independent.  The future of work looks different for today’s students.  We need to teach them how to learn; not a specific skill as things are changing rapidly.

1. Become self Aware
2. Connect to Careers
3. Set a Goal
4. Map it Out

Eight grade career week will be February 22 – 26.  It will occur Asynchronous and include a game to keep kids interested.  It will begin with a Keynote address on Monday.  Students can then explore career interest areas and take virtual tours Tuesday – Thursday.  Friday includes a Parent lunch and learn.  Students will be working to complete a 4 year draft education plan.

Question from a parent – What should a 7th or 8th grader be doing to prepare for an academy?  Kristy explained that some have prerequisites.  Interest area will guide decisions and ample time to explore options.  Generally students will attend Emerald Campus for a minimum of 2 periods a day for an academy.

Q & A – moderated by Tiffany Marr

Questions were posted to the Chat box on Zoom and also asked during conversation.

CHAT BOX:

From Venus Klochak to Everyone:  06:58 PM

hello!!

From Tisha Rinker to Everyone:  07:04 PM

No!  Would love to hear

From Maria Dishop to Everyone:  07:05 PM

I didn’t get one!  I want one 😊😊

From Tisha Rinker to Everyone:  07:07 PM

Melanie, do they have any green tie-dye print?

From Amy Starnes to Everyone:  07:09 PM

have you considered opening it up to the 4 elementary schools that will be Davis next year?

From Me to Everyone:  07:10 PM

Tisha, We can look into the green tie-dye print…fab idea

From Tisha Rinker to Everyone:  07:11 PM

@Amy, the elementary schools have their own spiritwear sales.  We bought Irish gear in elem

From Asch to Everyone:  07:12 PM

We should also look into shipping to the school for the entire order for student/parent pick-up outside.  That might help the cost and the profit margin.

From Tisha Rinker to Everyone:  07:12 PM

Asch, I love that idea

From Foster Family to Everyone:  07:13 PM

I’m sorry – the interview team would be active in who’s interview exactly?

From Amy Starnes to Everyone:  07:13 PM

right but they don’t have access to Davis specific gear

From Tiffany deSilva to Everyone:  07:13 PM

You can email me at Tiffanydesilva76@gmail.com if you are interested in serving on the Director of DEI interview team or have feed back on learning online.

From Asch to Everyone:  07:13 PM

Great idea about the Elementary schools feeding into Davis for Spiritwear

From Me to Everyone:  07:13 PM

Amy, are you wanting the 5th graders to contribute to the tshirt “competition”?

From Amy Starnes to Everyone:  07:19 PM

no. I think some parents with 5th graders might want Davis specific spirit wear.

From Ann McCarty to Everyone:  07:36 PM

DCS Career Connections site: https://www.dublinschools.net/domain/1183

From Tisha Rinker to Everyone:  07:43 PM

I was thinking that

true!

When will sign up be for summer school for Health, Financial Lit?

From Venus Klochak to Everyone:  07:58 PM

thank you!

From Ann McCarty to Everyone:  07:58 PM

Thanks Kristy!

From Maria Dishop to Everyone:  07:59 PM

thanks!

Meeting concluded at 8:02 pm

Next PTO General Meeting is Wednesday February 24, 2021 at 7 pm.

Zoom links will be posted on percdublin.org

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Monday, February 22 9-10 am

Join us on Monday, February, 22 for a discussion covering the book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin Diangelo. 

Deemed a “vital and necessary book” for our time, anti-racist educator, Robin DiAngelo gives more language to help us better understand and move forward specifically in regard to what emotions, behaviors and “defensive moves” white people often have & make when challenged racially.

Through this exploration and discussion, we hope to become more aware, examine ourselves more fully and be able to engage more constructively with the collective racial inequality discussion at large in order to move toward societal change.

Having read the book will help to greatly facilitate discussion, but is not a necessity for attendance.

This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

Friday, February 26 9-10 am

What a great opportunity to begin or continue the discussion with our children of doing the work of antiracism.  Tiffany Jewell has written her book This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on how to Wake Up, Take Action and Do the Work with the younger reader in mind.

Whether you read it ahead of time with your child or alone (maybe in preparation to reread with your child or present some of the key concepts to them), please join us for the enlightening conversation!

If you’re wondering whether or not the book is developmentally-appropriate for your child, we recommend goodreads.com and commonsensemedia.org for reviews of the book to aid in your decision.

DMS PTO Meeting

October 28, 2020

Virtual Zoom Meeting 7 pm

Attendees: 

(Sign in sheet not available as meeting was virtual.  Secretary recorded names that appeared on Zoom call)

Tiffany Marr, Ginger Kockentiet, Elaine Spielberg, Ann Perez, Jason Snyder, Josh & Stephanie Stinemetz, Anna, Andrea Chambers-Chrisp, Asch Mikhail, Brad deSilva, SJ Foster, Natalie Rich, Lulu, Julie H, Dinesh Patel, Jennifer Talley (18 total)

President’s Report – Tiffany Marr

Agenda, Icebreaker, Updates (UnFundraiser & Spiritwear), Partnerships UnFundraiser, Chat Q&A

Meeting called to order at 7 pm.  Tiffany welcomed everyone to the meeting.  She reviewed tonight’s agenda with the attendees.  

The PTO is looking to improve our partnerships with two groups.  The first being with our ELL parents. We want them to be able to be involved with our PTO and looking at how we provide translation.  We are also looking to partner with our local business.  We want to connect our parents with entrepreneurs in the Davis community with the families of 1100 students.  

Reminder to subscribe to our blog at dmspto.org – to get real time communications on activities.  Also you can follow us on various social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  We are also producing a monthly newsletter which is distributed on the Principals Friday email and also can be found on our blog under Newsletters.  

Tiffany also led us in an Ice Breaker!

Principal’s Report – Dr. Ann Perez

Dr. Perez reported that the first quarter has just been completed.  There are still students making up work from the first quarter and teachers are working with them.  The Trimester ends November 15th.  

November 3 is a Professional Development Day for the district with a focus on Equity.  Dr. Gholdy Muhammad will be the guest speaker to start the day off.  They will be sharing goals by building and during a book talk.    Davis has 35 teachers on the District Equity committee.  She is really impressed by the teacher’s engagement and commitment to making the lives better  for Davis students.    They will also be hearing from the Kirwin Institute on Bias Training.  

Remote Learning applications for the second semester will be available starting October 31.  Everything is electronic this time and everyone will have to apply.

Davis clubs have started including Irish Spotlight, Power of the Pen and Math Counts.

Conferences are Monday November 2 from 4-7 pm. Team Leaders should have sent out information to parents.

Secretary’s Report – Jennifer Talley

Jennifer presented the previous month’s meeting minutes for review and approval.  Tiffany shared the minutes with the group on the screen.  The minutes were also posted to our blog for review prior to this meeting.  No comments were made.  Minutes approved – 1st Dr. Perez, 2nd Asch Mikhail.

If you need to contact the PTO, remember you can email us at ptodavis@gmail.com

Treasurer’s Report –  Ginger Kockentiet and Asch Mikhail

Current balances for PTO Checking and Savings were shared with the group. We currently have $12,386.24 in checking and $31,430.27 in savings.  We target to maintain one years expenses in reserve in preparation for years when we might not raise as much money.

Asch commented that our budget planning was impacted this year by COVID – 19. We will be reviewing budget items in December for the second half of the year.  The PTO’s job is to help the Administration cover shortfalls that the school can’t provide funding to. For example, the school can’t give to athletics and they are especially impacted this year.  

Our fall fundraiser was successful in generating $12,385.05 for the PTO.  We have savings to cover a year like this when our opportunities to generate income are limited.  Other means to help with income this year include using Amazon Smile and Kroger rewards.  We did not make as much as normal with our school supply sale.

We will be offering Davis Spirit Wear this year through an online site and hope to raise funds this way.  The link will be available by Friday October 31 and communicated by our various social media sites.  There will be lots of choices available and ordering will occur through November 30. All items will ship directly to the purchaser.

Q & A – moderated by Tiffany Marr

Questions were posted to the Chat box on Zoom and also asked during conversation.

CHAT BOX:

From Ann Perez to Everyone:  07:20 PM

https://dmspto.org/AMAZON SMILE:  Help raise money for Davis Middle School while shopping online with Amazon!  Follow this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/31-1246476. Log on to your Amazon account and choose “Ann Simpson Davis Middle School PTO” as your charity and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to the PTO!KROGER:  Register for the Kroger Community Rewards: http://www.kroger.com/communityrewards; select Davis Middle School PTO as your Organization, Organization Number: VJ441

From Ginger Kockentiet to Everyone:  07:36 PM

Welcome to Dublin and Davis!  Please let us know if you need anything.

From Amy Starnes to Everyone:  07:38 PM

hi! thanks to all of you for your hard work keeping us all involved and informed. I was driving at the beginning😛😛

From Jennifer Talley to Everyone:  07:46 PM

Please email us davispto@gmail.com for any questions or ideas

From SJ Foster to Everyone:  07:46 PM

Where can we get info on the equity team for Davis?

Also, a shout out to the Davis Girls Tennis Coach – Stephanie Stinemetz for a great season and for encouraging the girls through the pandemic!

Dr. Perez also thanked all the Davis coaches and Athletic Director – John Bernans for a successful fall athletic season.  All winter athletics are a go.

Another shout out to Elaine Speilberg for a successful UnFundraiser.

SJ Foster asked a question about student safety following election day.

Meeting concluded at 7:48 pm

Next PTO General Meeting is Wednesday January 27, 2021 at 7 pm.